Trooper Taylor in Howard University's Top 5 for Head Coach

Knoxville (WVLT) - He's one of UT's top assistant coaches, but there's news, that Trooper Taylor is gaining interest from other schools across the country who might like his fiery spirit running their football program.

We have learned that Howard University out of the Mideastern Athletic Conference has received permission from Mike Hamilton to interview trooper Taylor for the Bisons head coaching position.

Howard is a 1-AA school that plays in the MEAC with the likes of Hampton, Florida A&M, Coppin State and South Carolina St.

The Bisons were 5-6 last year, prompting the firing of then head coach Rayford Petty.

Trooper has been at UT for 4 years as running backs and wide receivers coach, but his biggest impact may have come on the recruiting front.

We have been told that the Howard head coaching position would essentially double Trooper's pay, putting him in the $275k-$300k range.

That is if he's offered the job and if he were to accept it.

WVLT Sports Overtime's Mark Packer did speak with Mike Hamilton about it. He neither confirmed nor denied the report and told WVLT that he doesn't comment on personnel issues.

National Signing Day is two weeks from Wednesday and Trooper is one of the main reasons why the Vols recruiting class is ranked number one in the country according to rivals.com.

We'll continue to follow this story and see if Trooper Taylor is about to become a head coach or remain with the Vols.

Howard Athletic Director Dwight Thatcher told WVLT that he wants to have a coach in place by the first week of February. Thatcher said that he received permission from Hamilton late last week and that he has narrowed the Howard search to the final 5, of which Trooper is a part.

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